Surfrider Foundation Maui Chapter’s goal for collecting water samples near Lāhainā and along the west coast of the island is to get more information to the public regarding the safety of the water for recreational use. Based on feasibility of testing, toxicity to humans, initial data we are currently testing for metals in Lāhainā burn zone and surrounding nearshore coastal waters including Olowalu (directly makai of the Temporary Debris Facility).
On June 5th 2024, Surfrider Foundation Maui chapter collected a second round of water samples on West Maui to test for fire related metals in coastal waters in and around Lāhainā. In line with our previous results from January, we did not find any evidence of fire-related contamination that would put human health at risk from recreation in the ocean. Read more >
On January 10, 2024, the Surfrider Foundation Maui Chapter collected samples at eight coastal sites along the Lāhainā coastline. We did not find evidence during our initial sampling run of fire-related contamination that would put human health at risk from recreation in the ocean. Read more >
The Maui Chapter has been particularly focused on understanding how post-fire toxins may impact ocean goers. Read recent blog posts related to the Lāhainā fire below.
As part of its Blue Water Task Force Program, the Surfrider Foundation Maui Chapter is analyzing water quality samples along West and South Maui for enterococcus, a fecal indicator bacteria that can indicate the presence of human wastewater or contamination from warm-blooded mammals like pigs and goats. Results after a heavy rain event on January 9 show areas along both West and South Maui exceeding state health standards.
West Maui Water Quality
Upcountry Maui Post-Fire Resources